THE BANE AND THE BLESSED

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Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 THE BANE AND THE BLESSED A baby brings out the best in us. A baby in the room makes everyone gentler and more caring.

The toughest person becomes sensitive not only to the baby but others as well. In the baby of Bethlehem God comes to us so that we can hold him in our arms.

God comes to us as a baby so we can lift him and embrace him, so that we will not be afraid to take him into our arms, raise him up and embrace him in the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick,

1 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 THE BANE AND THE BLESSED A baby brings out the best in us. A baby in the room makes everyone gentler and more caring. We watch our language around a baby even though the baby doesn t understand a word. We smile at the child and at one another. The toughest person becomes sensitive not only to the baby but others as well. In the baby of Bethlehem God comes to us so that we can hold him in our arms. So small and fragile, we can hold him in one hand. God comes to us as a baby so we can lift him and embrace him, so that we will not be afraid to take him into our arms, raise him up and embrace him in the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned (Matthew 25:35-36). May Christ the baby awaken us with his crying and open our eyes and arms to the suffering. May the tenderness of Christ the baby stir our tenderness and bring us to recognize him in all those who arrive in our towns, at our doors and in our lives. May Christ the baby be born in us, and may we live so that no child anywhere will feel there is no room for them on this earth. May we welcome Christ the newborn as Emmanuel, God with us. And may we see him in all those places and faces where we think he is absent. Come, Emmanuel, God with us always and all ways. The Lord be with you. Father John Parr

SEAS STEWARDSHIP As Christian stewards, we are called to radical hospitality. This entails that we, with loving hearts and open eyes, see Christ in each person we encounter.

2 SEAS STEWARDSHIP As Christian stewards, we are called to radical hospitality. This entails that we, with loving hearts and open eyes, see Christ in each person we encounter. Human relationships are vital to all, and our smiles, greetings, handshakes, and hugs may have significance beyond our understanding. During this Christmas season, may each of us take time to identify Christ among the least of us and among those closest to us. May we prepare our hearts, as well as our homes, to receive Him who has so much to give us and seeks nothing but our love in return. See Christ in others; be Christ for others. A SPECIAL MUSICAL CELEBRATION Join us for Mass on Sunday, Dec. 30 at the 8:00 or 10:15 Mass. We will have a special appearance by the Brueggen family band known as Leather and Lace playing for each Mass. Christmas has always been the band s favorite holiday, celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus. It truly IS the most wonderful time of the year. They believe that music is a form of prayer and ministry and so they hope you will be reminded of the real reason for the season of Christmas. WELCOME CHILDREN Just a reminder during Mass at Offertory time, we invite all children to participate in the offertory Procession. The Gospel calls us to live out Jesus request to feed the hungry, and so we ask our children to please assist us in this act of love. Children, please meet in the back of the church when the offertory song begins. Bring your item of food from home or take one of the food items from the basket in the back of church. Thank you and God bless you! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS On behalf of our Knights of Columbus have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Reminder: Wednesday January 2, 2018: Free Throw Contest at Viking Elementary (Gym B). Registration: 6-6:30 pm, Contest Begins: 6:30 pm Please contact Brian Clements at or jnc3daddy@gmail.com for any questions, and if you would like to volunteer to help! MARCH FOR LIFE Consider joining other pilgrims from the Diocese of La Crosse traveling to Washington, DC on January 16 returning on January 20, The annual Pilgrimage for Life is open to all people ages 13 and up. Either join the group from your parish or contact the diocesan Office for Youth & Young Adult at or visit our website at: diolc.org/m4l-reg March for Life Chicago The March for Life Chicago is one day only, Jan. 13. Check availability at and scroll down to the Chicago link. Buses will be leaving from locations around our diocese. PRAYER REQUESTS Susan Amundsen Sara (Wozney) Balaker Richard Brandau Trudy Brieske Mike Candahl Sr. Bridget Donaldson, OSB Elizabeth Donaldson Patrick Donaldson DeEtte Gillmeister Joe Gittens Sharon Grabar Lois Hanson June Kukovec Kent Limberg (military) Sue Lund UPCOMING MEETINGS Sue Lund Jerome Malin Kevin McIntyre John Modjeski Judith Niedfeldt Ken Proctor Cecil Rochester Robert C. Ristow Bailey Rohrer Celia Scholze Erica Schultz Sascha Stephens Pam Tischer Colleen Tisil Please remember, the sick, hospitalized, military members, homebound and anyone needing of our prayers. May they experience the healing power of God. WHEN REQUESTING THAT AN INDIVIDUAL BE ADDED TO OUR PRAYER LIST, YOU MUST HAVE THE CONSENT OF THE INDIVIUDAL OR THEIR FAMILY FOR THEIR NAME TO BE PUBLICIZED. ALSO, PLEASE REMEMBER TO INFORM US WHEN SOMEONE SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE LIST Finance Council - Tues., Jan. 8 at 4:30 pm Pastoral Council - Mon., Jan. 14 at 6:30pm 4th Sunday of Advent 2 December 23, 2018

FAITH FORMATION Facts about Advent you may not have realized.

to the Second Coming of Christ. Advent begins on the evening of a Saturday falling between November 26 and December 2 (inclusive), and it ends on the evening of December 24th.

The color violet or purple is the liturgical color but the color rose may be used, on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) http://www.ncregister.

, Jan 2 - Catechist Meeting at church 6:30pm CHRISTMAS DINNER PRAYER Loving God and Father of us all, we joyfully celebrate the birth of your Son, the eternal Word who came to dwell with us and is

3 FAITH FORMATION Facts about Advent you may not have realized. We tend to think of Advent only as the season in which we prepare for Christmas, or the First Coming of Christ, but it is important that we also remember it as a celebration in which we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ. Advent begins on the evening of a Saturday falling between November 26 and December 2 (inclusive), and it ends on the evening of December 24th. Advent is not a penitential season. The Gloria is neither said or sung. You cannot celebrate funeral Masses on the Sundays of Advent. The color violet or purple is the liturgical color but the color rose may be used, on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) -you-need-to-know-about-advent1 Important Faith Formation Dates Wed., Dec 26 - No Faith Formation Wed., Jan 2 - No Faith Formation Wed., Jan 2 - Catechist Meeting at church 6:30pm CHRISTMAS DINNER PRAYER Loving God and Father of us all, we joyfully celebrate the birth of your Son, the eternal Word who came to dwell with us and is born this day of the Virgin Mary. May the meal we share on this great feast satisfy us not only with the good food you give us, but also grace us with the fullness of your love, which you bestowed on our human nature when your Son took on our very flesh. May we come to share completely in your divine life through the coming of your Son among us. May his self-giving love be made manifest in our hearts so that the joy of our Christmas feast may extend beyond our family and home to touch the lives of others with the love that makes this day holy and makes us all children of one family in you. Amen. EARLY PUBLICATION OF BULLETIN PARISH INCOME NO INFO AVAILABLE SIMPLE LIVING Gifts that are simple or green are not necessarily stingy or cheap. They can be whimsical or practical and when they really connect with the recipient, they will be more used and more cherished than the usual sweater or tie. When gifting, remember: The perfect gift might be an experience to share. Much of what we give ends up in landfills. Consider giving a charitable donation in the recipient s name. See if you already have something that can be given. This is a good time to pass on family heirlooms. Seek out gifts made from recycled goods. Buy American; support your local economy. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us in Caritas in Veritate, It is good for people to realize that purchasing is always a moral - and not simply economic - act. ROTARY LIGHTS Help assist Rotary Lights in its mission of collecting non-perishable food items to help feed the hungry in the greater La Crosse area. Please bring your family (and your non-perishable food items) to the Rotary Lights display in Riverside Park. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy an evening together. The SEAS Holmen Food Pantry is the recipient of the donated food items one last time on Tuesday, December 25. APPEAL UPDATE Now would be the perfect time to send in your Annual Appeal pledge. If you want it to be on your 2018 tax contribution, please send your check to the Diocese before the end of the month. Donations can easily be made online at: diolc.org/donate-online. We have reached 60% of the goal and we are so very grateful to those that have shared their treasure with this important appeal. Prayers are always welcome. Please send in your pledge as soon as possible. Extra pledge cards are in the gathering place. Parish Target: $84,910 As of 12/14/18: $53,909 pledged Thank you to the 175 donors who have pledged so far. 4th Sunday of Advent 3 December 23, 2018

ELIZABETH MINISTRY Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach program here at SEAS to affirm, support, encourage, and assist women in response to their needs during their childbearing years.

Volunteers in our Elizabeth Ministry program support women with phone calls, visits, and/or meals.

4 ELIZABETH MINISTRY Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach program here at SEAS to affirm, support, encourage, and assist women in response to their needs during their childbearing years. The Elizabeth Ministry program is based on the scripture story of Mary and Elizabeth and the support and love they showed to one another during the Visitation (Luke 1:39-45). Volunteers in our Elizabeth Ministry program support women with phone calls, visits, and/or meals. We currently have volunteers available who are ready to reach out in support to women who are experiencing all types of issues related to infertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, birth, adoption, and infant crisis. Women who would like to be contacted by an Elizabeth Ministry volunteer or by one of our pastoral staff should contact Carol Reider at or Any woman interested in serving as a volunteer or willing to prepare a meal for a family in need can also contact Carol. RAISE THEM WELL Begin the New Year with Emotionally Mature Children Do your children test your resolve with their emotional immaturity? Do you need some suggestions on how to moderate the drama in your family? Then plan to attend the Raise Them Well Webinar on emotional maturity, January 7 th at 7PM. You can be part of this webinar from the comfort of your own home. Just register and watch the entire presentation on your computer or smartphone. Cost $5. Register at diolc.org/marriage/webinars/ TICKETS AVAILABLE Sportsmen Night and Wild Game Feed Sponsored by The St. Elizabeth s Huberters February 16 th, 2019 Holmen American Legion Time: Raffles and Bar open 4 PM; Dinner served 6:00 PM; event closes 10 PM Dinner Tickets: $40.00 each Tickets available by contacting Pat Brueggen in the parish office. Please help and support this great organization by purchasing a ticket for a chance to win some great outdoor items then venture outside to enjoy God s creation and beauty. PARISH INFORMATION PARISH RECTORY & OFFICE Phone Fax Number office@seasholmen.org STAFF Pastor, Father John Parr pastor@seasholmen.org Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor Delbert J. Malin djm133@charter.net sbridget@seasholmen.org Pastoral Minister, Carol Reider carol@seasholmen.org C.R.E. (3 years-gr. 5),.Mary Luebke reled@seasholmen.org youth@seasholmen.org Director of Music, Beth Lakmann music@seasholmen.org Secretary, Sandy Jerue office@seasholmen.org Sister Jean sjean@seasholmen.org MASS SCHEDULE Weekend: Sat. 5:00 pm and Sun. 8:00 & 10:15 am Weekday: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am except Tues. 7:00 am Gluten Free Hosts: St. Elizabeth s has gluten free hosts available. Please contact Fr. Parr, and he will make the necessary arrangements. SACRAMENTS Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00 pm or by appointment. Baptism: Baptism involves membership in the church. Parents are to attend three sessions early in the pregnancy. Marriage: Our church is trying to create successful marriages. This takes some time. Arrangements for a wedding date are to be made at least six months before the anticipated date. Anointing of the Sick: Communal celebrations in fall and spring. Individual celebrations upon request. Please call the office when family members are hospitalized. PASTORAL VISITATION Anyone who desires a personal home visit is invited to call the parish office. CATECHUMENATE Anyone wishing to become a full member of the Church is invited to visit the parish office. NEW PARISHIONERS Please call the parish office. Parish Council Members Alyson Haugen Laura Antonie Len Beranek Jennifer Fisk Finance Council Members Barry Ploessl Janice Dvoracek Brian Clements Les Giesler Angie Hendrikson Shelly Linskey Christine Olson Larry Warzynski Shawn Handland Pat Stephens Larry Warzynski th Sunday of Advent 4 December 23, 2018

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, December 23 4th Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Mass Beverly Limberg 10:15am Mass People of SEAS Monday, December 24 Late Advent Weekday 8:30 pm Mass People of SEAS Vigil: The

December 26 St. Stephen, the First Martyr 8:30 am Mass Deanna Guesman Thursday, December 27 St.

Pray the Rosary 4:00 pm Sacrament of Penance Vigil: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 5:00 PM Mass Alex, Theresa, Ron and Rudy Wozney Sunday, December 30 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and

second collection at Mass every month that there is a 5th Sunday.

5 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, December 23 4th Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Mass Beverly Limberg 10:15am Mass People of SEAS Monday, December 24 Late Advent Weekday 8:30 pm Mass People of SEAS Vigil: The Nativity of the Lord 4:00 pm Mass Sharon Martin 6:00 pm Mass Lyle and Teresa Nelson Tuesday, December 25 The Nativity of the Lord 8:00 am Mass People of SEAS 10:15am Mass Susie Meehan Wednesday, December 26 St. Stephen, the First Martyr 8:30 am Mass Deanna Guesman Thursday, December 27 St. John, Apostle 8:30 am Mass Diane Guesman Friday, December 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 8:30 am Mass Steve Borski Saturday, December 29 5th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord 8:00 am Pray the Rosary 4:00 pm Sacrament of Penance Vigil: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 5:00 PM Mass Alex, Theresa, Ron and Rudy Wozney Sunday, December 30 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 8:00 am Mass Sandy Beranek 10:15am Mass People of SEAS 5TH SUNDAY COLLECTION St Elizabeth's is most grateful for the generosity of our parishioners in their gifts of their treasure during the second collection at Mass every month that there is a 5th Sunday. It is this revenue which permits us to assist those in need who come to us for assistance with their critical financial needs such as clothing and other issues. We thank you for your generous response. The next collection will be held next weekend Dec. 29/30. COME LET US ADORE HIM Vigil of Christmas Monday, December 24 Masses at 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25 Masses at 8:00 am and 10:15 am Parish Office will be closed Dec. 24,25, & 26. WELCOME ALL VISITORS Welcome to all our guests who have joined us this week for the celebration of Jesus birth. From our parish family to you, thank you for being with us. May you have a very Blessed Christmas! SOLEMNITY OF MARY Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Mass Times Monday, December 31st at 5:00 pm and Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 9:00 am (A Holy Day of Obligation) Parish office will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. COSMIC SLEDDING SEAS is hosting an evening of sledding on the hill with laser lights and music, a warming house, and hot chocolate. Join us, weather permitting on Friday, Dec. 28th from 6-9pm. Pray for snow and perfect sledding conditions. 4th Sunday of Advent 5 December 23, 2018

THE BANE AND THE BLESSED

Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017 THE BANE AND THE BLESSED Recently I had an appointment with my doctor. Physician s assistant, actually. We began with my height and weight. That particular day